Above: Smoke near Ashcroft this week
13 First Nations communities in BC are under evacuation order or alert. Some areas in and around Williams Lake have been moved from an evacuation order to an evacuation alert. This update includes important information for those preparing to return home; details on the BC Hydro Wildfire Evacuee Assistance Program; Secwepemc Traditional Food Donations; Updates from Interior Health, Red Cross and more.
Williams Lake and surrounding areas return to evacuation alert
The City of Williams Lake, Williams Lake Indian Band and Cariboo Regional District announced that residents are now allowed to return to the City of Williams Lake, Sugarcane and some surrounding areas in the Cariboo Regional District. Before returning, residents are advised that wildfire activity continues in the area, air quality remains poor and the area is still on evacuation alert.
The areas that have been changed from an evacuation order to an evacuation alert include:
⦁ The City of Williams Lake;
⦁ Sugarcane;
⦁ 150 Mile House;
⦁ Fox Mountain;
⦁ Esler;
⦁ Pine Valley; and
⦁ Springhouse (see map at link below for details about all CRD areas surrounding Williams Lake).
Due to ongoing wildfire operations, evacuation orders will remain in place for the following areas:
⦁ areas north and south of Mountain House Road, including Wildwood;
⦁ the Spokin Lake area;
⦁ areas along Soda Creek Road and Frizzi Road;
⦁ Soda Creek First Nation, and additional areas in the Chilcotin.
Resiliency Centre AvailableA resiliency centre will be available in Williams Lake to provide information and programs of support for wildfire evacuees. The resiliency centre will be set up at the Boitanio Mall (850 Oliver Street) and will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The Resiliency Centre can be contacted at 250-305-0226.
Information on Returning to Your Home After Wildfires
Your home may be impacted by smoke, soot and ash, chemicals, structural damage and water damage. This information is a collection of health and safety considerations during initial work to restore your home.
Environmental Health Officers are available for immediate water testing, home and food safety needs – please call Regional Manager Casey Neathway with any questions: 778-875-3486 or the after-hours line: 1-844-666-0711.
BC Hydro Wildfire Evacuee Assistance Program now available
Bill credits and payment plans are available to residential and commercial customers affected by wildfires. Find out more about your account status by calling the customer team for assistance at: 1 800 BCHYDRO (1 800 224 9376).
Phone Carrier Evacuation Assistance
TELUS has also waived overage fees for impacted postpaid customers, and has reached out to those affected with further information. Prepaid customers will receive a $15 bill credit, and FFH customers will have their billing suspended and/or charges waived.
Call for Action, Traditional Food Donations Needed For Evacuees Secwepemc Chiefs are calling on all communities for donations of preserved traditional foods or perishable foods that may be canned for evacuees unable to preserve for themselves. We are also requesting donations of canning jars and supplies. Secwepemc staples needed are; salmon, meat, fruit, berries, vegetables, rice and potatoes.
Donations will be accepted at the Splatsin Community Centre where they will be canned and stored until the Shuswap Gathering on August 18, 19 & 20. We will then have a traditional giveaway ceremony for the Secwepemc families impacted by the fires.
Where to Donate: Splatsin Community Centre (cold storage and freezer on site). Contact person: Splatsin Councilor Edna Felix
Edna_felix@spatsin.ca Cell: 250-308- 6811.
Address: 5775 Old Vernon Road, Enderby, BC.
Updates from Interior Health
Please visit Interior Health’s
website for ongoing updates.
Red Cross Aid Payments
An additional $600 is available for every 14 day period evacuees are unable to return to their homes due the wildfires. Distribution of funds is being coordinated by the Red Cross. The Red Cross registration phone lines are open 24/7 and there are zero wait times. The phone number is 1-800-863-6582. People can also register online at
www.redcross.ca.
Additional Information from the Red Cross on Payments:
⦁ The process for payment could take up to a week.
⦁ If you need urgent, immediate assistance (such as food, clothing, lodging), please go to your local authority / regional district’s Emergency Social Services (ESS) centres. If you don’t need immediate help, just register with the Red Cross for the $600 aid payment.
⦁ Red Cross needs to validate eligibility and people’s ID before distributing the financial assistance. If you don’t have government-issued identification, please see a Red Cross worker or call the Red Cross registration line at 1-800- 863-6582.
⦁ If a registered evacuee does not have an email account or does not have access to online banking, Red Cross could provide them with payment cards at one of the reception centres.
Status Cards (Photo Identification)
Status Cards are available in Kamloops at the T’kemlups Band Administration Officefrom 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday. Contact Denise Thomas for more information 778-220-2079.
Stay informed on outdoor air quality conditions, plan your outdoor activities, and manage exposure to outdoor air pollution.
First Nations Health Benefits Contacts for Refilling Prescriptions; Medical Transportation; Medical Supplies and Equipment (Including Oxygen Tanks) and Eyewear; Dental Items (Dentures): Call 1-800-317-7878
Stay Up To Date
Our FNHA wildfire information page (
www.fnha.ca/wildfires) is the main location for FNHA updates on the wildfire situation, current evacuation zones, road closures, emergency phone lines and other crucial emergency services.
